A national demonstration to highlight the depth of the pensions "crisis" is to be held this summer, it was announced today. 

The TUC is organizing the event, which will take place in London on June 19. Its aim is to offer support to workers who have lost their pensions because of companies going bust and to highlight the fact that people are facing poverty in retirement. 

The protest will call for the state pension to be linked to earnings and for compulsory contributions from employers and workers into occupational schemes. 

"This government has done many good things for pensions. There has been help for the poorest, and the introduction of the new pensions protection fund to protect those still in work," said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber. "Yet politicians of all parties have yet to appreciate the depth of our pensions crisis and are avoiding the really radical action that is needed if large numbers of today's workers are not to face poverty in retirement. 

"Fewer and fewer are members of good traditional occupational schemes, and pensions mis-selling, growing student debt and the high cost of housing have put people off making alternative arrangements. That is why we are taking to the streets and inviting anyone to join us who agrees that it's time to pay up for pensions." 

The Scottish TUC will shortly announce details of a pensions demonstration in Scotland.